Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The specialized junction between a T lymphocyte and an antigen-presenting cell, the immunological synapse, consists of a central cluster of T cell receptors surrounded by a ring of adhesion molecules. Immunological synapse formation is now shown to be an active and dynamic mechanism that allows T cells to distinguish potential antigenic ligands. Initially, T cell receptor ligands were engaged in an outermost ring of the nascent synapse. Transport of these complexes into the central cluster was dependent on T cell receptor-ligand interaction kinetics. Finally, formation of a stable central cluster at the heart of the synapse was a determinative event for T cell proliferation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1126/science.285.5425.221

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science

Publication Date

09/07/1999

Volume

285

Pages

221 - 227

Keywords

Animals, Antigen-Presenting Cells, CD4 Antigens, CHO Cells, Cell Movement, Cricetinae, Cytochrome c Group, Fluorescence, Histocompatibility Antigens, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, Ligands, Lipid Bilayers, Lymphocyte Activation, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Microscopy, Interference, Models, Immunological, Peptides, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, Signal Transduction, T-Lymphocytes, Time Factors